Drs. Kim and Tolentino will join the Macular Degeneration Association for an educational seminar in Clearwater, Florida, November 19, 2011, 8:00a.m. to 4:30p.m. The seminar is titled, "Vision Loss Epidemic! Learn how to Predict, Protect and Preserve!" The event will be held at the Ruth Eckerd Hall in Clearwater.

The event is designed to empower and educate attendees by informing them about age-related macular degeneration (AMD), including the progression of the disease and the risks of vision loss as a result. The symposium will also cover precautionary methods that may delay the onset of AMD and reduce retinal damage.

There will be a free screening before the symposium. This screening will determine if your eyes have any form of macular degeneration. Event attendees will learn the latest treatment advances evolving in the macular field, including the revolutionary Macula Risk® test, a new genetic test predicting one's likelihood of developing wet AMD, the most serious form of the disease. In addition to establishing an individual’s genetic predisposition to macular degeneration, the test is also useful in formulating a customized treatment plan for those diagnosed with AMD.

This test will be available at the symposium for those wishing to have it performed and may be covered by your insurance company, including Medicare.

Exhibitors and featured event speakers will offer participants many opportunities to learn about the latest advances in macular degeneration research, precautionary methods, medications, treatments, and low vision therapies and the new eye vitamin called Macula Health.

Dr. Dana Deupree is the program chair. He is a board-certified ophthalmologist and retina specialist.  His area of sub-specialty includes medical and surgical management of macular disorders, diabetic retinopathy, complex retinal detachments and trauma. Dr. Deupree’s practice, The Macula Center in Clearwater, is devoted exclusively to treatment of the retina and macula. Currently, Dr. Deupree is involved in an early pilot study investigating a drug for dry AMD.

This program will feature guest speakers Ben Kim, MD, and Michael Tolentino, MD, from the Center for Retina and Macular Disease, Winter Haven, Florida.

MDA’s educational symposium in Clearwater will provide attendees with a unique opportunity to interact with nationally known macular experts, local doctors, fellow patients and caregivers in an open forum. There will be morning and afternoon breaks and lunch will be served.

The cost will be $10.00 per person. Registration is open. Seating is limited to the first 175 participants.    You may register by calling Lynne Henry at (941)870-4399.